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<applet>

Deprecated in HTML5 specifications. Use <embed> or <object> instead.

⚠️ DEPRECATED

Definition and Usage

⚠️ Not Supported in HTML5
The <applet> tag is not supported in HTML5. Use the <embed> or <object> tag instead.

The <applet> tag was used in HTML 4 to embed Java applets into an HTML document.

Java applets were small applications written in Java that could run in web browsers. However, due to security concerns and the decline of Java browser plugins, this technology is now obsolete.

Security Note: Java applets are no longer supported by modern browsers due to serious security vulnerabilities. Most browsers have completely removed Java plugin support.

Browser Support

The <applet> tag is NOT supported in HTML5 and modern browsers:

Chrome
Chrome
Not Supported
Firefox
Firefox
Not Supported
Safari
Safari
Not Supported
Edge
Edge
Not Supported
Opera
Opera
Not Supported

Old Usage (HTML 4)

In HTML 4, the <applet> tag was used to embed Java applets:

Old HTML 4 Example (Don't Use)

<!-- HTML 4 - DEPRECATED -->
<applet code="MyApplet.class" width="300" height="200">
  Your browser does not support Java applets.
</applet>

Modern Alternatives

Instead of <applet>, use modern web technologies:

1. Use <embed> Tag

For embedding external content:

Example with <embed>

<!-- HTML5 - For PDF or other content -->
<embed src="document.pdf" type="application/pdf" width="600" height="400">

2. Use <object> Tag

For embedding multimedia and external resources:

Example with <object>

<!-- HTML5 - For multimedia content -->
<object data="animation.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="300">
  <p>Your browser does not support this content.</p>
</object>

3. Use <iframe> Tag

For embedding external HTML pages:

Example with <iframe>

<!-- HTML5 - For external pages -->
<iframe src="https://example.com/content" width="600" height="400">
  Your browser does not support iframes.
</iframe>

4. Use JavaScript and HTML5 Canvas

For interactive applications, use modern JavaScript:

Example with Canvas

<!-- HTML5 - Modern interactive content -->
<canvas id="myCanvas" width="400" height="300"></canvas>

<script>
  const canvas = document.getElementById('myCanvas');
  const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');

  // Draw interactive content
  ctx.fillStyle = '#745af2';
  ctx.fillRect(50, 50, 100, 100);
</script>

5. Use WebAssembly

For high-performance applications (Java alternatives):

Example Concept

<!-- HTML5 - High-performance apps -->
<script>
  // Load WebAssembly module
  WebAssembly.instantiateStreaming(fetch('app.wasm'))
    .then(result => {
      // Use compiled WebAssembly code
      result.instance.exports.main();
    });
</script>

Why Was It Deprecated?

  • Security Vulnerabilities: Java browser plugins had numerous critical security flaws
  • Performance Issues: Java applets were slow and resource-intensive
  • Browser Support: Modern browsers removed Java plugin support entirely
  • Better Alternatives: HTML5, JavaScript, and WebAssembly provide superior solutions
  • Mobile Incompatibility: Java applets never worked on mobile devices
  • User Experience: Required users to install Java Runtime Environment

Migration Guide

✅ How to Migrate from Java Applets:
  1. Assess Functionality: Determine what your applet does
  2. Choose Technology:
    • Simple graphics: Use HTML5 Canvas or SVG
    • Interactive apps: Use JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue, etc.)
    • Complex calculations: Use WebAssembly
    • Forms and UI: Use modern HTML5 and CSS
  3. Rewrite Code: Convert Java logic to JavaScript or compile to WebAssembly
  4. Test Thoroughly: Ensure functionality works across all modern browsers
  5. Remove Applet Tags: Replace with modern HTML5 elements

Timeline of Java Applets

  • 1995: Java applets introduced by Sun Microsystems
  • 1996-2010: Peak usage for interactive web content
  • 2013: Major browsers begin dropping support
  • 2015: Chrome removes NPAPI support (required for Java)
  • 2017: Firefox ends support for Java plugins
  • 2018: Oracle announces end of Java browser plugin
  • 2020+: No modern browser supports Java applets

Try it Yourself

Modern Alternative Example

Here's an interactive example using modern HTML5 Canvas (no Java needed):

This animated box uses JavaScript and Canvas - much better than Java applets!

Related Tags

  • <embed>

    ✅ Use this for external content

  • <object>

    ✅ Use this for multimedia

  • <canvas>

    ✅ Use for graphics and animation